Small Sedans

Toyota Prius: The most distinctive-looking of all today's hybrids, the Prius symbolizes the hybrid revolution. Now in its second generation, the Prius feature Toyota's Synergy drive, which has proven to be the benchmark for all other hybrid technology to base itself against. In addition to getting 51-60 miles per gallon and traveling more than 500 miles on a tank of gas, the Prius also features some special technology such as the push-button Smart Start, a multi-functional display that give information on power flow, navigation, trip and maintenance, and even wireless telephone service with available Bluetooth technology. All of this for a base price of $22,000.

Honda Civic Hybrid: Unlike its Prius rival, the Civic hybrid does not stand out in a crowd. It looks just like a standard Civic, except for the small nameplate labeling it as a hybrid. The Civic's technology is purely designed for fuel efficiency, joining a small, 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to chart around 49-51 mpg, according to the EPA, and can travel up to 650 miles on a tank of gas. The Civic Hybrid starts at $22,600.

Medium Sedans

Toyota Camry Hybrid: The Camry hybrid offers performance through a V-6 engine that is coupled with an electric motor to reduce fuel consumption. Like its gas-only partner, the hybrid version seats five, and is comfortable and quite stylish for 2008. For 2009, Toyota increased the base price on the Camry Hybrid to $26,150, placing it in between the four-cylinder and the six-cylinder automatic models. Mileage is a cool 38/40 mpg.

Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid: The Malibu's dramatic redesign for 2008 has garnered plenty of attention, bringing the General Motors product out of the shadows of a previously dull design. But the “mild” hybrid version is nothing to boast about, adding a couple extra miles per gallon over the non-hybrid version. With a based price of $22,800, the Malibu hybrid gets 24-32 miles per gallon.

Lexus GS 450h and LS 600h: Toyota is spreading the hybrid joy by adding its top-notch Synergy Drive to these luxury sedans. The GS is the smaller, sportier version while the LS is larger and more luxurious. The base price for the GS 450h sedan is $55,800 and it achieves 22/23 mpg. The LS 600h L uses a V-8 engine mated with an electric motor to get 20/22 mpg and lives up to its luxury status with a base price of $104,900.

Nissan Altima Hybrid: Nissan's lone hybrid, which is only available in a handful of states (including California) has the ability to operate in electric-only mode at low speeds. The four-cylinder engine gains an impressive 36/42 mpg and sells for a base price of $25,100.

Saturn Aura Green Line: Another one of GM's mild hybrids like the VUE and the Malibu, the Aura Green Line uses the electric motor to improve thrust more than fuel economy, which rates at 24/32 mpg. You'll spend a minimum of $22,790 for the base Aura Green Line. 

Compact SUVs

Ford Escape Hybrid: In 2004, the Escape became the nation's first hybrid SUV to hit the market, offering families the increased space and durability of a utility vehicle with the fuel efficiency of a small sedan (30-34 mpg). Honored as the North American Truck of the year in 2005, the Escape quietly saves gas and is light on the environment without harping “I am a hybrid” to the neighborhood. Base price for the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid is $30,055 and mileage is an EPA estimated 29-31 mpg.

Lexus RX 400h Hybrid: The RX hybrid was introduced in 2005 as the world's first luxury hybrid SUV. Defined as a "full hybrid," which means that it is capable of operating in electric-only or gas engine-only mode as well as a mode that combines the power of the gas engine and electric motor. This is in contrast to other hybrids that are not capable of running solely on electrical power. Fuel mileage is 27/33 mpg and the base price is $41,580.

Mercury Mariner Hybrid: The Mariner is another clone of the Ford Escape hybrid, rebadged to appeal to Mercury fans. Average fuel mileage is expected to be 29-31 mpg and the base price for the Mariner hybrid is $27,000.

Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid: Like its Aura hybrid sibling, the Vue Green Line will have increasing availability in 2009. However those who are able to secure on will enjoy average mileage of 25/32 mpg at a starting price of $24,795.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid: The recently redesigned Highlander hybrid is the only fuel-sipper to offer families three-rows of seats for 7 passengers, and all rows fold flat to accommodate dogs and extra cargo. The Highlander hybrid can run in electric-only mode at low speeds, allowing you to quietly cruise through neighborhood streets. Fuel mileage for the Highlander Hybrid is 25/27 and the base price is $34,700.

Mazda Tribute Hybrid: The Tribute is basically a Ford Escape Hybrid in Mazda clothing. Able to move in electric-only mode at low speeds, the Tribute Hybrid gets an estimated 28/32 miles per gallon and pricing starts at $25,310.

Full-Size SUVs

Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid: Finally, a family-sized SUV that is built to save – not spend – fuel. Named the Green Car of the Year for 2007, the Tahoe leads the rapidly growing General Motors lineup of hybrid vehicles. The Tahoe sports a “mild” hybrid, getting an estimated 22/24 mpg. Base price for this SUV that can seat up to nine passengers is $49,590 for the two-wheel-drive model.

Cadillac Escalade Hybrid: Due out for 2009, the Escalade hybrid will be available in two- and four-wheel-drive mode and features the same two-mode hybrid system as the Tahoe. It offers better mileage (to be announced) than the conventional engine and regenerates with braking that captures the energy lost during braking and puts it back into the battery. Base price has not been announced yet, but is expected to be near $75,000.

Chrysler Aspen hybrid and Dodge Durango hybrid: In 2009, Chrysler is joining the hybrid herd with a two-mode hybrid version of the Aspen (20-22 mpg / $45,570) and Dodge Durango (20-22 mpg / $45,340) SUVs.

-- By Keith Turner, for OGC